Financial Situation: Well-off enough to live on her own in a small apartment, but still can’t afford luxuries.
Appearance: Small in size, round face and long black hair.
Location: Nanking
Habitual Locations: Her tailor store, her small apartment, and her parent’s home.
Daily Routine: Bring her daughter to her mother’s house, then go to her small store and work for several hours. During her lunch break she goes back to her mother’s house in order to spend some time with her family and then she goes home with her daughter and sews more in her apartment. Her husband is in the Chinese army and so currently away in Beijing, fending off the Japanese troops, but she checks daily for mail from him.
Personality/Quirks/Unique Traits: Hua is quiet and respectful due to the Confucian ideals her father bestowed on her. She is a devoted wife and loving mother. Hua has a habit of softly humming as she works, and when she is upset she shakes her hands out, but rarely speaks her mind. Her biggest flaw is that she never stands up for herself, but her biggest strength is that she is compassionate to all those in need. One of her quirks is that she has a small eye twitch. It is barely apparent when she is calm, but as Hua gets angrier, the twitch becomes more visible and is the only outward sign of frustration that she shows.
Past/Individual-Family History: Hua was raising in Nanking by her mother and father. As the only child in her household, Hua was beloved by all of her family members and so even though her family was not that well-off, she had an ideal childhood. Hua had some education, but she met Liang when she was only 18 and immediately fell in love and got married. In order to help provide for her family, Hua was able to open a small tailor shop in which she creates and repairs clothes. Her husband started off doing just small jobs that he could find, but eventually settled into being a soldier. Although Liang spends most of his time away from his wife, he writes when he can and loves to return to his home city to see his darling baby girl. Hua and Liang suffered through many miscarriages in the beginning of their marriage, but when Bao was born a year ago it was a blessing. Together the three make a happy family, even though the distance can be trying.
Family: Married to a Chinese soldier named Liang and with one baby daughter who is a year old named Bao. Both of her parents are alive and living nearby.
Social Relations with Classes: Respectful to upper class and kind to those in worse situations than herself.
Religion: Buddhist.
Education: Some schooling, but no higher education.
Portrait:
Diary # I: Calm Before the Storm
My Beloved Liang,
Today was just another ordinary day for me, except for the fact that I heard some terrifying news. As I was passing this young Chinese man in the street on my way to take Bao to my parent’s house I heard him talking about how Japan had declared war on China. I thought that perhaps the man was mistaken, after all, China and Japan have been fighting for months now and it has not been called a war yet, but when I got to my parent’s house my mother told me the same thing. Apparently Japan actually did declare war on China. I am not sure if it will actually make a difference in our lives, after all you, my darling, have been fighting the Japanese for a while now and I do not think the fighting will increase just because of the new definition of this conflict as a war, but I felt a shadow of cold fear pass through my heart as the news was validated. I fear the Japanese army, I do not think they will stop at anything in order to take over our country, but when I remember that strong men like you are on China’s front line my heart is gladdened because I know that you will stop at nothing to protect China.
As I walked down the streets of Nanking all I could hear was whispers of the war. It seemed that everyone had heard this new piece of news and were eager to share. When I passed the government building I stopped and gazed upon it, thinking that surely China could not be defeated. Do you think I am too optimistic, my dear? Or do you agree that China will get through this in one piece? All this news of war just makes me wish that you were here next to Bao and me, we miss you sorely.
The rest of today I spent in a daze. I went to my store and had to sew many dresses, but I did not pay attention to what I was doing and now my fingers are covered in red pinpricks. As I was going back to my parent’s house I saw this Chinese girl in the streets just playing by herself and I was hit by the wistful urge to be able to see Bao at that age. It seems silly, I know, but all this talk of war has made me fearful of the future.
Be safe and try to return to me as quickly as you possibly can. I love you.
Your Devoted Wife,
Hua
Diary # 2: A Knock at the Gate
Dear Liang,
I am so afraid... the Japanese military are about to begin invading Nanking. The last of the Chinese defense have been defeated and the Japanese are outside the city walls. I have heard rumors that the Japanese are asking for surrender and if we don’t, then they will kill us all. I hope it is merely a rumor...
Nobody seems to really know what is going on. The news of the approach of the Japanese came so quickly. We all expected for them to eventually come, but had hoped that our defenses would have lasted longer. I was impatient to know more about our city’s situation, so today, while returning home from work, I went by the government building. I saw Tang Sheng-Chih leaving the building, and since I know that he is high up in the military I ran up to him, asking for news. He looked very frustrated and upset, but he told me briefly that there would be a three-day cease-fire. It was beyond kind of him to waste his time talking to me, and so I thanked him repeatedly. I felt optimistic at this news, because it seemed that although our military had allowed the Japanese closer, at least they had a plan. All I hope for now is that the plans for the cease-fire are passed. It would relieve me to know that the fighting had stopped, even if it is only for three days.
Since my mind had been eased I went back to my parent’s house. They sitting in the dark of their home, not even talking. I think they fear the worst. Even Bao seemed to realize something was wrong, she has been quiet all day and just keeps running to those near her, seeking comfort. I know I fear the worst. I think that all the people in Nanking are fearful for their lives right now. The streets are almost silent. Everybody is indoors with their family, just waiting for the Japanese to make their next move. I am thinking that I will close my shop tomorrow. Business is dead anyways so there is no point in leaving it open, plus this way if anything bad happens I will already be with my family.
I wish you were here. I wish that the whole Chinese army were here to protect us in this forsaken city. I do not understand why the Japanese are targeting this city! It may seem petty to wish this on other people, but I do not care, all I want is the safety of my family. I want to see my parents grow old and die in peace, I want to see little Bao grow up into a beautiful woman, I want to spend the rest of my days with you. Maybe I am just being overly dramatic over this all. After all I’m sure the fate of this city lies in capable military hands, I can’t help it though.
Return to me soon. I love you.
Always Yours, Hua
Diary # 3: The Gates Come Tumbling Down
Liang,
I need you here, the Japanese have taken over the city and are massacring everyone! I am so very afraid. I was walking to the store when I heard the news of the Japanese entering the city, it started with just one man running down the street yelling and then suddenly they were upon us, hundreds of Japanese soldiers with the Japanese Prince Asaka Yasuhiko in the front. They started rounding up at large group of people, hitting though that resisted. I hid down an alley, because I was terrified. As I peered around the corner I saw one Chinese boy run away from the group and then get shot down by a Japanese soldier. After the people were all herded up, the Japanese dragged them away, I’m not sure what they were going to do to them.
Once they were all gone I ran to my parent’s house. As I fled I could hear cries and gunshots reverberate throughout the city. There were so many dead bodies on the street and the roads were stained with blood. It appeared the men, women, elders, and even children had been killed. Several times I almost ran into a group of the Japanese, but somehow I managed to get to my destination without being seen.
At my parent’s house only my mother and Bao were there, apparently my father had left his house to go see an old friend, but he still hasn’t returned. I don’t know what happened to him, but it is night now and since he has not returned I’m assuming that the Japanese got him. I don’t know what will happen to all the civilians that were captured but I fear the worst. I am going to stay with my mother, just because I fear walking on the streets and I don’t want to leave her all by herself.
I am so afraid! There is not enough food here to last us for long, so I know that eventually I will have to leave the house to find food, but if I go on the streets I fear I will be captured, and I know the worst will happen to me since I am a woman. Please return!
Hua
Diary # 4: Through the Gates into Hell
Dear Liang,
Please come home to me! Terrible things have happened, are happening! The Japanese are monsters and they are destroying this city and its people!
My plan was to stay with my parent’s until the Japanese left, but that plan failed miserably. They came door to door and dragged us out onto the street. My father tried to stop them and they just coldly shot him and then beheaded him, right in front of my eyes. They tore me away from my mother. She reached out to me with outstretched arms as she was dragged away with a helpless expression on her face. As I was marched away on the bloodied street I heard her cries, and then they stopped. I think they killed her, but maybe it is better this way because I don’t want her to go through what I went through.
As I was marched down the streets of Nanking I saw terrible things. Soldiers raping a women down an alley, men being shot, and little children being stabbed... I gripped Bao more tightly to my chest, but when the Japanese soldiers saw the movement they grabbed our daughter from me and stabbed her. Our beautiful girl was stabbed right in front of me! She was dripping blood from her chest and looked up at me with these scared eyes. I tried to pick her up, but was dragged away. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect her! I am so wracked with guilt that I don’t even want to tell you. I’m such a terrible mother....
The Japanese men raped me, but unlike so many others, they let me go. As I stumbled back towards my house I saw this American journalist taking notes on what he saw in the streets. He beckoned for me to come towards him, but I couldn’t, I just wanted to be on my own with my pain. Everyone I care about has died other than you. Please come home!
Hua
Diary # 5: A Survivor
My daughter Mei,
Your sister Bao was just like you. She had the same dark, inquisitive eyes, the same laugh, and the same teeny little toes. You are only five years old right now, but I want this story written down so that in the future, if I am not around, you can know about your older sister.
She died in the Rape of Nanking, alongside your grandparents. It was a tragic time, I thought that I would never recover from all of the pain I had suffered at that time, but then your father came home. I never thought I’d see him again, I hadn’t heard from him since he left to go to the army, but when he returned I had hope again.
The Rape of Nanking has had a drastic effect on my life. It is the reason I am so protective of you and won’t let you out of my sight, it is the reason I flinch at loud sounds and fear Japanese men, it is the reason cry so frequently. It has scarred me for life. My family was killed in front of me, I was raped, and I saw such terrible things. I pray that you never have an experience like that.
When you came along I thought it was a blessing. A sign that life could continue even after my life had been destroyed by the destruction of my city. Indeed, life has continued. The city of Nanking has repaired itself, the Chinese and the Japanese are beginning to be at peace with each other, and people are gradually moving on from the past. I will perhaps be forever haunted by the death of Bao, but with you, I can see that my life will go on. The Rape of Nanking was horrible and tragic, but it is not the end of my life.
Age: 26
Gender: Female
Occupation: Seamstress
Social Class: Lower middle-class.
Financial Situation: Well-off enough to live on her own in a small apartment, but still can’t afford luxuries.
Appearance: Small in size, round face and long black hair.
Location: Nanking
Habitual Locations: Her tailor store, her small apartment, and her parent’s home.
Daily Routine: Bring her daughter to her mother’s house, then go to her small store and work for several hours. During her lunch break she goes back to her mother’s house in order to spend some time with her family and then she goes home with her daughter and sews more in her apartment. Her husband is in the Chinese army and so currently away in Beijing, fending off the Japanese troops, but she checks daily for mail from him.
Personality/Quirks/Unique Traits: Hua is quiet and respectful due to the Confucian ideals her father bestowed on her. She is a devoted wife and loving mother. Hua has a habit of softly humming as she works, and when she is upset she shakes her hands out, but rarely speaks her mind. Her biggest flaw is that she never stands up for herself, but her biggest strength is that she is compassionate to all those in need. One of her quirks is that she has a small eye twitch. It is barely apparent when she is calm, but as Hua gets angrier, the twitch becomes more visible and is the only outward sign of frustration that she shows.
Past/Individual-Family History: Hua was raising in Nanking by her mother and father. As the only child in her household, Hua was beloved by all of her family members and so even though her family was not that well-off, she had an ideal childhood. Hua had some education, but she met Liang when she was only 18 and immediately fell in love and got married. In order to help provide for her family, Hua was able to open a small tailor shop in which she creates and repairs clothes. Her husband started off doing just small jobs that he could find, but eventually settled into being a soldier. Although Liang spends most of his time away from his wife, he writes when he can and loves to return to his home city to see his darling baby girl. Hua and Liang suffered through many miscarriages in the beginning of their marriage, but when Bao was born a year ago it was a blessing. Together the three make a happy family, even though the distance can be trying.
Family: Married to a Chinese soldier named Liang and with one baby daughter who is a year old named Bao. Both of her parents are alive and living nearby.
Social Relations with Classes: Respectful to upper class and kind to those in worse situations than herself.
Religion: Buddhist.
Education: Some schooling, but no higher education.
Portrait:
Diary # I: Calm Before the Storm
My Beloved Liang,
Today was just another ordinary day for me, except for the fact that I heard some terrifying news. As I was passing this young Chinese man in the street on my way to take Bao to my parent’s house I heard him talking about how Japan had declared war on China. I thought that perhaps the man was mistaken, after all, China and Japan have been fighting for months now and it has not been called a war yet, but when I got to my parent’s house my mother told me the same thing. Apparently Japan actually did declare war on China. I am not sure if it will actually make a difference in our lives, after all you, my darling, have been fighting the Japanese for a while now and I do not think the fighting will increase just because of the new definition of this conflict as a war, but I felt a shadow of cold fear pass through my heart as the news was validated. I fear the Japanese army, I do not think they will stop at anything in order to take over our country, but when I remember that strong men like you are on China’s front line my heart is gladdened because I know that you will stop at nothing to protect China.
As I walked down the streets of Nanking all I could hear was whispers of the war. It seemed that everyone had heard this new piece of news and were eager to share. When I passed the government building I stopped and gazed upon it, thinking that surely China could not be defeated. Do you think I am too optimistic, my dear? Or do you agree that China will get through this in one piece? All this news of war just makes me wish that you were here next to Bao and me, we miss you sorely.
The rest of today I spent in a daze. I went to my store and had to sew many dresses, but I did not pay attention to what I was doing and now my fingers are covered in red pinpricks. As I was going back to my parent’s house I saw this Chinese girl in the streets just playing by herself and I was hit by the wistful urge to be able to see Bao at that age. It seems silly, I know, but all this talk of war has made me fearful of the future.
Be safe and try to return to me as quickly as you possibly can. I love you.
Your Devoted Wife,
Hua
Diary # 2: A Knock at the Gate
Dear Liang,
I am so afraid... the Japanese military are about to begin invading Nanking. The last of the Chinese defense have been defeated and the Japanese are outside the city walls. I have heard rumors that the Japanese are asking for surrender and if we don’t, then they will kill us all. I hope it is merely a rumor...
Nobody seems to really know what is going on. The news of the approach of the Japanese came so quickly. We all expected for them to eventually come, but had hoped that our defenses would have lasted longer. I was impatient to know more about our city’s situation, so today, while returning home from work, I went by the government building. I saw Tang Sheng-Chih leaving the building, and since I know that he is high up in the military I ran up to him, asking for news. He looked very frustrated and upset, but he told me briefly that there would be a three-day cease-fire. It was beyond kind of him to waste his time talking to me, and so I thanked him repeatedly. I felt optimistic at this news, because it seemed that although our military had allowed the Japanese closer, at least they had a plan. All I hope for now is that the plans for the cease-fire are passed. It would relieve me to know that the fighting had stopped, even if it is only for three days.
Since my mind had been eased I went back to my parent’s house. They sitting in the dark of their home, not even talking. I think they fear the worst. Even Bao seemed to realize something was wrong, she has been quiet all day and just keeps running to those near her, seeking comfort. I know I fear the worst. I think that all the people in Nanking are fearful for their lives right now. The streets are almost silent. Everybody is indoors with their family, just waiting for the Japanese to make their next move. I am thinking that I will close my shop tomorrow. Business is dead anyways so there is no point in leaving it open, plus this way if anything bad happens I will already be with my family.
I wish you were here. I wish that the whole Chinese army were here to protect us in this forsaken city. I do not understand why the Japanese are targeting this city! It may seem petty to wish this on other people, but I do not care, all I want is the safety of my family. I want to see my parents grow old and die in peace, I want to see little Bao grow up into a beautiful woman, I want to spend the rest of my days with you. Maybe I am just being overly dramatic over this all. After all I’m sure the fate of this city lies in capable military hands, I can’t help it though.
Return to me soon. I love you.
Always Yours,
Hua
Diary # 3: The Gates Come Tumbling Down
Liang,
I need you here, the Japanese have taken over the city and are massacring everyone! I am so very afraid. I was walking to the store when I heard the news of the Japanese entering the city, it started with just one man running down the street yelling and then suddenly they were upon us, hundreds of Japanese soldiers with the Japanese Prince Asaka Yasuhiko in the front. They started rounding up at large group of people, hitting though that resisted. I hid down an alley, because I was terrified. As I peered around the corner I saw one Chinese boy run away from the group and then get shot down by a Japanese soldier. After the people were all herded up, the Japanese dragged them away, I’m not sure what they were going to do to them.
Once they were all gone I ran to my parent’s house. As I fled I could hear cries and gunshots reverberate throughout the city. There were so many dead bodies on the street and the roads were stained with blood. It appeared the men, women, elders, and even children had been killed. Several times I almost ran into a group of the Japanese, but somehow I managed to get to my destination without being seen.
At my parent’s house only my mother and Bao were there, apparently my father had left his house to go see an old friend, but he still hasn’t returned. I don’t know what happened to him, but it is night now and since he has not returned I’m assuming that the Japanese got him. I don’t know what will happen to all the civilians that were captured but I fear the worst. I am going to stay with my mother, just because I fear walking on the streets and I don’t want to leave her all by herself.
I am so afraid! There is not enough food here to last us for long, so I know that eventually I will have to leave the house to find food, but if I go on the streets I fear I will be captured, and I know the worst will happen to me since I am a woman. Please return!
Hua
Diary # 4: Through the Gates into Hell
Dear Liang,
Please come home to me! Terrible things have happened, are happening! The Japanese are monsters and they are destroying this city and its people!
My plan was to stay with my parent’s until the Japanese left, but that plan failed miserably. They came door to door and dragged us out onto the street. My father tried to stop them and they just coldly shot him and then beheaded him, right in front of my eyes. They tore me away from my mother. She reached out to me with outstretched arms as she was dragged away with a helpless expression on her face. As I was marched away on the bloodied street I heard her cries, and then they stopped. I think they killed her, but maybe it is better this way because I don’t want her to go through what I went through.
As I was marched down the streets of Nanking I saw terrible things. Soldiers raping a women down an alley, men being shot, and little children being stabbed... I gripped Bao more tightly to my chest, but when the Japanese soldiers saw the movement they grabbed our daughter from me and stabbed her. Our beautiful girl was stabbed right in front of me! She was dripping blood from her chest and looked up at me with these scared eyes. I tried to pick her up, but was dragged away. I’m sorry I couldn’t protect her! I am so wracked with guilt that I don’t even want to tell you. I’m such a terrible mother....
The Japanese men raped me, but unlike so many others, they let me go. As I stumbled back towards my house I saw this American journalist taking notes on what he saw in the streets. He beckoned for me to come towards him, but I couldn’t, I just wanted to be on my own with my pain. Everyone I care about has died other than you. Please come home!
Hua
Diary # 5: A Survivor
My daughter Mei,
Your sister Bao was just like you. She had the same dark, inquisitive eyes, the same laugh, and the same teeny little toes. You are only five years old right now, but I want this story written down so that in the future, if I am not around, you can know about your older sister.
She died in the Rape of Nanking, alongside your grandparents. It was a tragic time, I thought that I would never recover from all of the pain I had suffered at that time, but then your father came home. I never thought I’d see him again, I hadn’t heard from him since he left to go to the army, but when he returned I had hope again.
The Rape of Nanking has had a drastic effect on my life. It is the reason I am so protective of you and won’t let you out of my sight, it is the reason I flinch at loud sounds and fear Japanese men, it is the reason cry so frequently. It has scarred me for life. My family was killed in front of me, I was raped, and I saw such terrible things. I pray that you never have an experience like that.
When you came along I thought it was a blessing. A sign that life could continue even after my life had been destroyed by the destruction of my city. Indeed, life has continued. The city of Nanking has repaired itself, the Chinese and the Japanese are beginning to be at peace with each other, and people are gradually moving on from the past. I will perhaps be forever haunted by the death of Bao, but with you, I can see that my life will go on. The Rape of Nanking was horrible and tragic, but it is not the end of my life.
Your mother,
Hua
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanjing
http://guilhermemacedo.girlshopes.com/chinesedressesduringthe1930/#
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ File:Tang_Shengzhi.jpg
http://ericblackink.minnpost.com/2007/11/27/the-rape-of-nanking/
http://www.bookmice.net/darkchilde/japan/nanking.html
http://blog.chinavasion.com/index.php/554/chinese-tomb-sweeping-festival/
http://mylittlestar.info/Prose/Power/Rape.html
http://www.artfiberglass.com/ship/sub.html